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Crispy Birria Tacos with Consomé |
Birria tacos have taken the culinary world by storm — and for good reason. These golden, crispy tacos are filled with tender, slow-cooked meat, melted cheese, and bold spices, then topped with fresh onions and cilantro. Traditionally served with a rich consomé for dipping, birria tacos are the perfect balance of juicy, crispy, savory, and comforting. The plate you see in the image captures everything that makes this dish irresistible: warm tortillas folded around flavorful meat, garnished with freshness, and surrounded by lime, radishes, and creamy avocado.
This recipe delivers an authentic taste of Mexico in your own kitchen. Whether you're preparing dinner for the family, cooking for a gathering, or simply treating yourself, these tacos will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
For the Birria Meat:
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1 kg beef chuck, short ribs, or a mix
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1 onion, quartered
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5 garlic cloves
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3 bay leaves
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1 cinnamon stick
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp pepper
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Birria Sauce (Adobo):
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4 dried guajillo chiles
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2 dried ancho chiles
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2 dried pasilla chiles (optional)
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3 tomatoes, halved
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1 small onion
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4 garlic cloves
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp vinegar
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1 cup beef broth
For the Tacos:
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Corn tortillas
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Shredded birria meat
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Shredded cheese (mozzarella, Oaxaca, or Monterey Jack)
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Chopped onion
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Chopped cilantro
For the Sides & Garnish:
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Radish slices
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Lime wedges
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Avocado slices
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chiles
Remove stems and seeds from all dried chiles. Place them in hot water and soak for 10–15 minutes until softened.
Meanwhile, roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a dry pan or oven until slightly charred. This step enhances the depth of flavor.
2. Make the Birria Sauce
Add the softened chiles, roasted vegetables, vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of beef broth to a blender. Blend until smooth and velvety.
Strain the sauce to remove any large bits for a smoother finish.
3. Cook the Meat
Place the beef in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, salt, pepper, and vinegar. Pour the birria sauce over the meat and add enough water or broth to cover.
Simmer on low heat for 3–4 hours, or until the meat is extremely tender and shreds easily. You can also cook it in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours.
Once cooked, remove the meat and shred it. Save the broth — this becomes the flavorful birria consomé.
4. Prepare the Tacos
Heat a pan over medium heat. Dip each tortilla briefly into the top layer of the consomé (where the rich orange fat floats). This gives the tortillas their signature color and flavor.
Place the tortilla on the hot pan, add cheese, then add shredded birria meat. Fold the tortilla and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crispy and golden.
5. Assemble & Serve
Place the crispy birria tacos on a plate. Garnish with chopped onion and cilantro.
Serve with:
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A warm bowl of consomé
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Fresh radish slices
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Lime wedges
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Avocado slices
Dip each bite into the consomé for the ultimate birria experience.
Serving Suggestions
Birria tacos pair wonderfully with:
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Mexican rice
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Refried beans
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Pickled onions
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Salsa verde or roja
Their richness also balances beautifully with a cold drink like lime agua fresca or iced tea.
Tips for Authentic, Perfect Tacos
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Use corn tortillas for the traditional texture.
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Don’t skip the chile roasting — it adds depth.
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Keep the tortillas warm while assembling to prevent tearing.
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Use the floating fat in the consomé to crisp the tacos.
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Let the meat rest before shredding to keep it juicy.
Final Thought
These Crispy Birria Tacos with Consomé bring together everything that makes Mexican cuisine so beloved: bold spices, slow-cooked richness, fresh toppings, and comforting textures. Each taco is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Whether you enjoy them dipped in hot consomé or topped with fresh lime and cilantro, this dish is pure satisfaction from the first bite to the last. Prepare it once, and it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Bon Appétit! 🌮✨